Early Childhood Overview

PACER’s Early Childhood Family Information and Resources Project gives parents of children ages birth through 5 years the confidence, knowledge, and skills they need to help their children obtain the education, health care, and other services they deserve. In Minnesota, special education services for children with disabilities are mandated by law beginning at birth. By federal and state law, families must be involved in the planning, development, and implementation of comprehensive services for their young children with disabilities.

In order to ensure involvement in the process, families need to become knowledgeable about early intervention service systems and their rights under the law, and to acquire better communication skills for team planning and advocating for their child. The earlier these skills are learned, the easier it will be for parents to become effective advocates for their children.

The Journey Begins: Learning How to Advocate for Your Child

In this video a parent discusses how she learned the importance of being an advocate for her child with a disability.

The years during early childhood are very important for a person’s development. Skills learned in these years will provide a framework for healthy emotional, cognitive, and physical abilities as your child matures.

Raising a child with disability can be challenging as well as rewarding. Here are some stories and tips from families, PACER staff, and parent advocates that may provide insights and ideas for helping your child reach their potential and dreams.

Early intervention is a system of coordinated services that promotes the child’s growth and development and supports families during the critical early years. Early intervention services for eligible children ages birth to 3 and their families are federally mandated through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Family child care providers may not discriminate against children with disabilities. The portion of a home that is used for child care would be covered under the ADA. However, many family day care providers have expressed concern that they will be required to make major architectural alterations to their home — such as building ramps or altering bathrooms.

Early literacy is much more than recognizing letters and the sounds they make. Early literacy provides a critical foundation for listening, speaking, writing, reading, and interpersonal communication that your child will rely on and grow from throughout his or her life. Learn how you can aid your child in developing these necessary skills.

Assistive technology (AT), whether something as simple as a pencil grip or as complicated as a communication device, has the power to change lives and opens doors of opportunity for people with disabilities. Assistive technology can support young children in building skills, increasing participation in activities, promoting development, enhancing learning, and boosting self-esteem.